Last week, I went to a Dodgers game with my son.

It was Orel Hershiser Appreciation Night, and the legendary pitcher was being admitted into the Dodgers’ Hall of Fame.

For those who don’t know, Orel was a fresh-faced rookie when the Dodgers called him up to the majors in 1983.

During his time in LA, Hershiser excelled, becoming a three-time All-Star and winning the Cy Young award.

And then, there was ‘88, a fairytale playoff run that cemented his reputation as a baseball immortal.

Anyways, at the game last week, a host of Dodgers greats from the past were there to celebrate Hershiser, including Sandy Koufax.

I pointed him out to my son, who was in awe. Yes, my eight-year-old knows who Sandy Koufax is. To me, that is true validation that I’ve raised him right!

As Orel walked to the podium to give his remarks, the video board at Dodger Stadium displayed some of his career highlights. The crowd went wild. There was a lot of emotion, especially for long-time fans who remember Hershiser’s mound dominance.

Most notable of the video montages was 1988, when the Dodgers won the World Series behind Hershiser’s unprecedented 59-inning scoreless streak.

I felt a tear welling up in my eye and dripping down my face as I remembered that year, goosebumps as I recalled being at the game when Kirk Gibson hit the famous home run off Dennis Eckersley, limping around the bases as he pumped his fist in victory.

It was the perfect connection between the past and present, father and son.

As I looked at my boy and the joy on his face, I wondered what ‘88 would have been like for me if I had been at the game with my father back then.

I couldn’t help but ponder how different my son and my childhoods have been.

Orel then came to the stage and said something that will stay with me forever.

He said, “I am an accumulation of great people, great examples, and great expectations.”

What is better than that?

What a profound thing to say.

Instead of soaking in all of the much-deserved personal glory, he chose to give credit to others. Hershiser shared that anyone could do anything when surrounded by the right people and presented with the right opportunities.

I couldn’t ask for a better example for my son.

I don’t know what the future holds. But what I can promise is that for those who choose to be around me, I will always try and be that great person, that great leader; lead by example, and try to live up to the sky-high expectations like the words of the great Orel Hershiser at Dodger Stadium that night.

-J.D.